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November 29, 2004

A restorative ending to "Truth in Sentencing" coverage

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel concludes its terrific series of sentencing articles, entitled "Locked In: The Price Of Truth In Sentencing," with this fascinating article discussing the restorative justice movement in Wisconsin. Another article today discusses the operation of drug courts in Wisconsin. Terrific and informative graphics about recidivism rates accompany both pieces and can be accessed here and here.

The prior articles in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel series are discussed and linked here and here, and the already significant impact of the series is detailed here. In addition, the newspapers were buzzing all through the long weekend with first-rate sentencing coverage, as detailed in the following posts:

Comments

I am the sister of someone who was sentenced to 5 yrs. for something his "friends" did. they brutally assulted someone and because he was there and his "friends" lied and let him take the fault the next 5 yrs will be spent without his baby. I believe the Truth in sentence law should be abollished.

Posted by: Hollie | Nov 16, 2005 6:10:35 PM

My son is incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. He was covicted in June, 2001 and it has been a battle to prove to the courts that
he's innocent. The truth to sentencing law
is very unfair. My son is serving time and wasting his life away.

Heartbroken, Mom

Posted by: shc | Oct 16, 2006 1:59:12 PM

I think it is unconstitutional for someone who has committed a crime once in there life, and nothing else. to be sentenced to serve hard time with no good behavior time. If a person is serving time, and has never been incarcerated but for what he has presently done. and they are made to serve hard time like a person that has been jailed numerous of times is insane and, the law is not protecting first time offenders. if they haven't been in trouble while incarcerated, should receive a reduced sentence, period.

Posted by: Helen | Dec 5, 2006 1:52:43 PM

I too have a baby brother who is serving time for for a crime he did not committ but a friend of his did. Let's just say my brother got 66years for nothing and his friend got to walk. Can my brother and I get some kind of justice???

Posted by: rosetta calhoun | Dec 23, 2006 11:23:49 PM

Truth in sentencing is harsh. You have offenders who have to complete court or institution recommended programs. What about a person who is serving a 8yr sentence and completes all the recommeneded programs, take some programs of their own interest and completes a trade within the first 4 years. On top of that they have had no disciplinary actions. Now this person is sitting wasting away. They are feeling as though they have made several great accomplishments
with no recognition. What is encouraging inmates to do good and make life altering changes. Where is the incintive for a role model inmate, This could be discouraging. Prison is suppoe to be about rehabilitation.

Posted by: shelly | Mar 11, 2008 10:40:18 AM

I think the truth in sentencing laws are a grat thing...think of it this way, If a guy comes along and rapes your daughter and kills her, this is his first time offense. Would you want him walking the streets in 10 years instead of 25 to life? What do you think of this. I dont care what the crime is, if you do the crime, you do the time. if you didnt want to be in prison for the time sentenced then you shouldnt have been there in the first place..Owned!!!